Static Caravan vs. Holiday Lodge for Coastal Parks: Which is Best? 2026 Guide

1. Introduction

Two options. One decision.

Walk onto almost any UK holiday park and you'll see them both.

On one side, the traditional static caravan. Compact, cosy, familiar.

On the other, the holiday lodge. More like a timber bungalow. Spacious, solid, imposing.

Standing between them, it's easy to feel stuck.

Which one is right for you?

This is a big decision. You want to know your money is going into the right asset. You want a choice that suits your lifestyle for years to come.

We see this hesitation often at Green Meadow.

It's the sign of a sensible buyer. Someone thinking ahead.

Here's the good news: it doesn't have to be complicated.

This 2026 guide cuts through the confusion. Written for buyers looking in the Aberystwyth area, we're setting aside the sales talk and focusing on practical facts.

Owning a holiday home here isn't about deciphering technical specs.

It's about securing a retreat where you can switch off the moment you arrive.

Let's look at the real differences — so you can decide which key fits your door.

Important: A holiday lodge is not the same as a residential park home. Even if a lodge is built to BS 3632 residential specification, if it sits on a holiday park with a holiday licence, you cannot live in it full-time. It is for leisure use only, and you must have a separate main home.

2. Understanding the Basics

What is a static caravan?

Think of the static caravan as the classic choice for flexibility and value.

Most are "single units," meaning they are constructed as one piece and delivered on a single transporter.

• Size: Typically 10ft to 12ft wide.
• The Build: Aluminium or high-quality vinyl cladding on a steel chassis.
• The Spec: Usually built to the EN 1647 holiday standard. This makes them perfect for spring, summer, and autumn use.
• The Vibe: Relaxed, easy to maintain, and perfect for frequent weekend breaks.

In short: If you want a comfortable, low-maintenance base to explore Mid Wales without the higher price tag of a lodge, this is the sensible choice.

What is a holiday lodge?

A holiday lodge is the step up in luxury and space.

They are typically "twin units." They arrive in two separate halves which are joined together on your pitch to create a home double the width of a standard caravan.

• Size: Expansive. Usually 20ft to 22ft wide. The extra width transforms the feel of the lounge and dining areas.
• The Build: Most are built to BS 3632 residential specification. This means thicker walls, superior insulation, and domestic-grade double glazing.
• The Foundation: They usually sit on a concrete raft foundation, giving them a permanent, solid feel underfoot.
• The Vibe: It feels less like a holiday home and more like an apartment. You get domestic-style kitchens, utility rooms, and often free-standing furniture.

In short: A lodge is for those who value space above all else, or who plan to visit during the colder winter months and want that extra layer of warmth and luxury.

What they have in common

Despite the differences, they share some key legal points:

• Both are mobile structures (technically).
• Both are for recreation only.
• You pay site fees (rent) for the pitch they sit on.
• You need specialist holiday home insurance.
• You must have a main residential address elsewhere.

3. Comparison Table

Here is the quick comparison to help you weigh up the options.

4. Cladding & Local Rules

The exterior of your holiday home is about more than aesthetics.

It's about blending into the beautiful Welsh landscape.

The Logic Behind the Colours

In Mid Wales, planners generally want holiday homes to be unobtrusive.

• Countryside: Greens and environmental tones are preferred to match the woodland.
• Coast: Creams, light greys, and sands are often used to soften the visual impact near the beach.

The Lodge Advantage

Static caravans typically feature aluminium or vinyl cladding.

Lodges often use CanExel (composite wood) or real timber. This gives a premium, chalet-style appearance that feels very different to a traditional caravan.

Warning: If every unit on the park is green, do not plan on installing a cream lodge until you have confirmed it is allowed.

5. Mid Wales Cost Comparison

 Initial Purchase Cost

Static caravans

• Pre-owned: Often available from £15,000–£25,000.
• New: On quality parks in Mid Wales, often start from £35,000–£45,000.
• High-spec: Can reach £70,000–£80,000+.

Holiday lodges

• New: Typically start around £90,000–£110,000.
• Premium: Models with hot tubs and large decking can reach £200,000–£250,000+.
• Location: Lakeside or scenic lodge pitches often command a higher price.

 Running Costs

Here's something that often surprises buyers.

Lodges generally have higher site fees because they occupy a larger "double" pitch.

However, a modern lodge built to residential spec can actually be cheaper to heat than an older caravan.

The superior insulation retains warmth far better. Your heating bills in October or November may be lower than you'd expect.

The "Long Game" (Depreciation)

View these as lifestyle purchases, not financial investments. Both will depreciate over time.

• Statics: Generally have shorter licence terms (10–15 years).
• Lodges: Benefit from longer licences (25–30 years). This allows you to spread the initial purchase cost over many more years of enjoyment.

6. Lifestyle & Comfort: The "Wet Weekend" Test

Viewing a holiday home on a sunny Tuesday in July? Everything looks spacious.

But the real test is a wet Saturday in November.

Space and layout

• Static Caravan (12ft wide): The design is clever and efficient. Cosy and warm. But if you have grandchildren visiting or a wet dog drying off, the corridor can start to feel snug.
• Holiday Lodge (20ft wide): A different pace of life. With a domestic-style hallway and a utility room for muddy boots, the wet weather stays separate from your living space. Room for a full-size dining table and freestanding sofas.

The parking factor

• Statics: Usually one private space or shared parking.
• Lodges: Frequently two private spaces right outside. Ideal for families travelling in two cars.

 Soundproofing

Lodges built to BS 3632 usually have thicker walls and better acoustic performance.

When the rain hammers down, it's a gentle patter rather than a drum solo.

It creates a quieter, more residential atmosphere inside.

7. Ownership Experience

Licence Tenure

This is often the deciding factor for our owners.

• Statics: 10–15 years.
• Lodges: 25–30+ years.

If you're looking for a "forever" retreat where you don't have to think about upgrading for decades, the lodge offers that peace of mind.

Availability

Caravan pitches are generally available across most parks.

Lodge pitches are scarcer. They require a large double footprint.

Prime lodge pitches — especially those with coastal views at Green Meadow — are in high demand.

8. Who Should Choose a Static Caravan?

A static caravan is the ideal choice if:

• You are testing the lifestyle: It is your first venture into holiday home ownership.
• You are a "Weekender": You plan to visit for 2-3 days at a time, mostly during the milder months.
• You want low maintenance: Wipe-clean cladding and compact spaces are easy to look after.
• You want value: You want the coastal lifestyle without the higher capital commitment.

9. Who Should Choose a Holiday Lodge?

A holiday lodge is likely the better fit if:

• Space is a priority: You often have family, grandchildren, or guests staying with you.
• You love the winter season: You want to watch the storms over Clarach Bay from a warm, highly insulated lounge.
• You are planning for the long term: You want a base for the next 20 to 30 years.

10. Decision Framework

Still undecided? Use this simple checklist.

1. Budget: Under £60k? → Static Caravan.
2. Visits: Mostly summer weekends? → Static Caravan. Christmas & long stays? → Lodge.
3. Timeline: 5–10 year plan? → Static. Long-term legacy? → Lodge.
4. Experience: First timer? → Static. Upgrading? → Lodge.

11. Conclusion & Next Steps

There is no single "best" option.

There is only the option that fits your budget and your vision for the years ahead.

• A static caravan offers freedom, flexibility, and a lower barrier to entry.
• A holiday lodge offers luxury, residential-style space, and longevity.

The best way to decide?

Don't decide from a screen. Come to Green Meadow.

Step into a 12ft static. Feel the comfort. Sit on the sofa.

Then walk into a 20ft lodge. Stand in the kitchen. Look at the view.

Most of our customers know which one feels "right" within five minutes of walking through the door.

Ready to explore the options?

• Download our Free Holiday Home Finance Guide PDF
• View Static Caravans and Lodges for Sale in Aberystwyth & Mid Wales
• Book a Park Visit

12. Why Choose a Salop Caravan Site?

Green Meadow, in Aberystwyth, part of Salop Caravan Sites, offers one of the most attractive and reliable ownership experiences in Mid Wales.

Across all Salop Caravan Sites parks in Shropshire and Mid Wales – including coastal locations such as Green Meadow – owners benefit from:

• Fair, transparent pricing.
• Well-maintained countryside and lakeside settings.
• Owners-only areas and quieter developments for predictable, peaceful stays.
• Experienced, approachable park managers who offer honest advice.
• Clear information and no hidden conditions.

Why Choose Green Meadow?

Because it offers:

• A choice of static caravans or luxury lodges
• A stunning coastal location near Aberystwyth
• Transparent, trustworthy ownership under Salop Caravan Sites
• Peaceful, high-quality settings designed for long-term enjoyment
• Options for every budget and holiday style
• Longevity and comfort, especially in all-weather Welsh conditions

If you want a well-managed, scenic, and relaxing place to escape to in Mid Wales, Green Meadow ticks every box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I live permanently in a holiday lodge?

No. Even if it is built to residential standards, the park licence is for holiday use only. You need a primary residence elsewhere.

Do holiday lodges hold their value better?

Generally, yes. Because they are built to a higher specification and sit on pitches with longer licence terms, the depreciation curve is often shallower than a standard caravan. However, they should be viewed as an investment in lifestyle, not financial return.

Are site fees higher for lodges?

Usually, yes. Because you are occupying a double-width pitch, the annual fees reflect that premium footprint.

What is the difference between BS 3632 and EN 1647?

Simply put: EN 1647 is for seasonal holiday use. BS 3632 is for residential-level comfort, with thicker walls and better insulation for year-round warmth.

Can I get a mortgage on a holiday lodge?

No, because you do not own the land. However, specialist holiday home finance is available.